County staff outlines proposed rural agriculture zoning map affecting roughly 1,554 parcels and 53,619 acres

The Edgefield County planning department presented a proposed Rural Agriculture zoning map to the county council; the presentation explained which unzoned parcels would be included, the purpose of the new district and next steps in the ordinance process.

Planner Hart Clark delivered the presentation and said the zoning change is intended to "preserve the rural character of the community and agricultural heritage" by maintaining open space, low-density living and limiting large-scale industrial or commercial development. The proposed zoning would set a minimum lot size of two acres, require setbacks (50-foot front setback on major highways, 25-foot on collector roads; 100-foot setbacks for commercial uses) and prohibit uses such as manufacturing, large-scale power generation and warehousing.

Clark said the map would not rezone currently zoned parcels; it affects about 1,554 parcels totaling roughly 53,619 acres and would increase the amount of county land subject to zoning by about 17 percent. He said the majority of affected parcels lie in Councilmember Tiffany's district, with some parcels in Councilmembers Dr. Kenyon's and Mr. Moody's districts. Clark also said he will mail postcards to each affected property before the first reading and public hearing; the formal three-reading ordinance process is scheduled to begin next month.

Councilmembers and staff noted the district grew during the planning process in response to citizen requests (including a request that extended the district on Garrett Road toward Ransford Road). Clark said he had excluded active mining parcels from the Rural Agriculture designation by mapping those parcels as industrial to avoid creating nonconforming uses.

No vote was taken; council received the presentation and directed staff to proceed with the public-notice steps Clark described. Staff said they will provide large printed maps at the county office and can attend town-hall style meetings if the council desires community outreach beyond the mailed notice.